VILLA boss Paul Lambert has pledged to strengthen bonds between players and supporters to underline the fans’ importance to his team.

ASTON Villa boss Paul Lambert has pledged to strengthen bonds between players and supporters to underline the fans’ importance to his team.

The drive to recognise the fans’ support is set to begin with an open training session featuring the team’s new-look first team squad at Villa Park on October 22.

Supporters can see new faces such as Ron Vlaar, Christian Benteke, Karim El Ahmadi and Brett Holman, as well as established stars like Darren Bent, Gabby Agbonlahor and Stephen Ireland put through their paces.

Boss Lambert said: “It’s going to be great having the fans down to see the players train.

“The fans have been brilliant this season and it’s really good to have them come down and see how hard the players work and see them outside of matches.

“The players and the fans are the most important people at the football club and things like this help to build that bond and get them buzzing off each other."

Striker Darren Bent added: “It’s great going to these open training sessions. Supporters can see what we do and how hard we work every day.

“It really helps the bond between the players and the fans and that’s really important.

“The fans have been brilliant for us during my whole time here and doing things like this to give back to them is great.

“I’m looking forward to it and seeing all the fans turning out to watch us train."

Tickets for the open session are free for season card holders, and cost £2 for adults and £1 for under-16s.

Alternatively, any fan who buys a ticket for the Premier League match with Norwich City will receive a free ticket for the training session.

There will also be competitions and discounts on merchandise and match tickets available only on the day of the training session.

Face painters will also be available to entertain youngsters.

Tickets are available from the Villa Village ticket office and from the New Street shop.

Fans can also call 0800 612 0970 or visit www.avfc.co.uk
for more information and to buy tickets.